Octoberfest was held last Sept. 29 along College Avenue in downtown Appleton. Safety issues are getting a review for this year's event.

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Jamming 100,000 people downtown creates security challenges, but organizers say years of experience have prepared them for another safe weekend slate of Octoberfest activities.

Both the Boston Marathon bombings in April and recent debate over openly carrying firearms downtown has spurred further safety discussions for the events, said Susan Vanden Heuvel, the organization's executive director.

"Those discussions took place to make sure our vendors are in the mindset of being aware and responsible as to what's happening around them," Vanden Heuvel said. ...